Showing Articles for "ESTA Form"

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed a number of changes to enhancing the security screening procedures of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is used for issuing travel authorizations for eligible visitors of the Visa Waiver Program. How does CBP typically propose changes for the ESTA? Typically,…

Introduction There are several questions on the ESTA application form that are optional. One of these questions is regarding social media account information. This question provides Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with a point of reference when checking applicant information matches an alternative source…

Introduction An ESTA application is processed instantly online and a majority of applications are approved within a minute of submission. However, there are cases where a decision on an application may be delayed by up to 72 hours. Once an ESTA application is approved, the user will be notified via their web browser or email. The approval notification will contain the application or authorization…

Introduction Customs and Border Protection (CBP) no longer requires travelers visiting the U.S. by land, air or sea to complete paper-based I-94 or I-94W Arrival / Departure forms, which used to be confused as 'ESTA Entry Forms', given they were required just prior to the launch of the ESTA in 2008. Thus, since 2008 travelers arriving by land, air or sea to U.S. territories must now apply…

ESTA application errors can be costly or worse, they can limit a traveler’s ability to travel to the US by making them not authorized to travel under the visa waiver program. Thus, ESTA applicants should fill out their form with care given the numerous types of errors that can occur.

The ESTA application form is managed and administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The purpose of the form is to gather a substantial amount of information so that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can cross check an applicant’s details across numerous international terrorism, no-fly and criminal databases. However, DHS and CBP are considerate of the time applicants need…